UQ Program: Bachelor of Economics/Arts
The first week was a challenge; I was staying in a hostel whilst looking for a place to live and attending classes at the same time. Finding a nice place, in a good location and sharing with cool people, for an affordable price is almost impossible. Be patient and look before classes start. Also, I arrived latish and missed the language crash course. I am still kicking myself for missing it. That said, even with no Italian I managed to find a cheap place with a great flatmate, so it is actually possible. Once I had my own place everything was heaps better. I relaxed and explored the many delights of Milano and managed to make some really good friends.
I have mixed feelings about the academic side of my exchange. I wouldn’t say that Bocconi was particularly challenging and the professors were very generous when it came to marking. Overall I enjoyed and got something out of at least a couple of the courses I took. While at Bocconi I came to learn that the School has a very rich tradition and distinguished reputation even if the quality of teaching today does not match this reputation. Bocconi students pay 20-30k a year to have the prestigious university on their resumes. I wouldn’t pay that much but as exchange students we don’t and I am very happy to have a stint at Bocconi on my resume.
Post-exchange, I miss the many great friends I met but mostly I miss the food. Café e brioches for breakfast everyday. A café on every street and good coffee everywhere, even at train stations. Great cheap pizza everywhere. Having a happy hour Negroni Sbagliato and snacking for free on great food. All I can say is Brisbane has a long way to come.
And to anyone thinking about exchange just go and enjoy it!
Top 5 tips:
1. For house hunting: http://milano.bakeca.it/ & www.kijiji.it and check notice boards at other cheaper unis. Bocconi students have a reputation for being spoilt rich kids so don’t tell people you study there. Definitely steer clear of Bocconi accommodation it is super expensive.
2. For eating: Of course aperitivo; best I found was Blender - Piazzale Susa. Self-caterers look out for your local weekly street market.
3. For drinking: Cheap from supermarkets, expensive in bars. Birraficio Lambrate - best beer in town.
4. For getting around: In Italy I always travel treno regionale yes it is often ritardo but by far the best for student budgets.
5. The one thing you must do in Milan: Watch a game at San Siro. Get in early and buy a legit ticket from Intesa San Paolo (AC Milan) or Banco Populare di Milano (Inter).